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Witness reveals moment Seattle festival turned into nightmare as shooting leaves 3 dead
A witness account of the terrifying shooting, which took place near Seattle's Space Needle, revealed how scary the incident was.
It was reported on Sunday (July 26) that at least three people were killed, with four others left injured after gunfire broke out during a food festival in the area.
Families and attendees ran for cover as gunshots were heard, as witnesses recalled people falling over each other and baby strollers being left behind in the panic.
The shooting took place at around 6 PM local time during the annual Bite of Seattle festival, where thousands of people met at Seattle Center for the three-day event.
Police revealed that officers were already in the area when the first gunshots were heard at 6.01 PM, as they rushed towards the scene.
Authorities stated that two people died at the scene, while five others were initially treated by medics.
It was said that four victims, a two-year-old boy, a 23-year-old man and two adult women, were taken to hospital, where a third victim succumbed to their injuries.
Witness accounts of the shooting
Terrifying footage from the incident was shared online, revealing the chaos which ensued after gunshots were heard, as someone shouted "shooting" to warn others to take cover.
A witness named Paul Skinner spoke to the Seattle Times, admitting that he thought the gunfire was fireworks at first.
He recalled: “I just heard what sounded like what were some pretty loud fireworks at first,
“Then the energy changed. Mobs of people started flooding back down. I just told our staff to get down,” the 37-year-old said.
Estan Wakonabo, who was waiting for a photo booth with his girlfriend, said: “People were hiding, were pushing, people were falling on the ground, baby strollers were falling.
“Once I heard a ‘pop, pop, pop,’ that´s when I knew it was a shooter.”
He recalled that after getting his girlfriend to safety, he returned and found several victims lying on the ground.
Another witness, Kayla Carris, 22, recalled many rushing into the Seattle Armory, telling the publication: “Everyone was just throwing stuff and running.”
Adya Sengupta said that Seattle Fudge workers sheltered many terrified visitors, saying: “Inside the Seattle Armory was crazy, within seconds maybe 60-plus people had flooded the doors inside, all running towards that back corner with Seattle Fudge,” as reported by KING 5 News.
The FBI also responded to the scene, with a police investigation underway.
According to Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, one person was detained in connection with the shooting, though it's believed that a second suspect fled.
Acting Police Chief Tyrone Davis made a shocking claim that the suspects were shooting at each other, though it is unclear what started the confrontation.
Authorities say that there is no ongoing threat to the public, as two weapons were recovered in the aftermath.
Officials comment on situation
Mayor Wilson stated: “Impacted families are living through the worst moment of their lives and an entire community is trying to understand how a gathering built around culture, connection and joy ended in gunfire.”
She also described the shooting as “an act of horrific violence.”
Wilson went on: “No one should have to weigh the risk of being shot before attending an event, gathering with friends or experiencing their city.”
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay also spoke out about the horrific event, admitting he was "horrified" by the incident.
“As someone who grew up in this community, I know what this event means to so many families, young people and neighbors across our region,” he said.
Zahilay added: “For years, the Bite has been one of Seattle’s signature summer traditions. To see violence at a place that brings so many people together is heartbreaking and unacceptable.”
The Governor of Washington, Bob Ferguson, also said: “My prayers are with the families of the victims and the responders as they work to keep people safe.”















